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Submitted by
Matt madEG Gorman
a weekend warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased this full suspension XC frameset from Performance Bikes back in July '98. Hardland made these for Performance, and Performance rebadged them as their own...which they commonly do with their in-house brands. PBS's name for the frame was the Phoenix. The frame, five pounds with Risse Genesis rear shock, is as light as a feather and rides sooo sweet. The placement of the pivot point(URT)is right on the money and I never have any problem with loss of power due to poor design induced bobbing. If you have a sound cadence you'll find that this frame aids your climbing (something I couldn't believe having been an adamant hardtail owner for nine years.) It seems to dig in to the hill when powering up the steep climbs. It is also super tough. I love to go out and jump this thing, then go blasting down the local creek beds (all east coast rocky technical situations.) This frame had made it to several trips to Whitetail Ski resort, and Slatyforks, WV, having returned with never a problem, and never a scratch, which is something I can't say about the rider...
The frame is super sweet to look at--obviously made with exceptional attention to detail. CNC'd components ensure the quality that one would expect in a handmade frame from a Massachusetts based company. Honestly I have never seen dropouts look so darn tough. The welds are burly, and well done, and the bike is a real eye catcher!!!
This only problem I have with the bike is having to explain where I got it from every time I get near another human being. From what I understand the bikes have been mainly marketed in Europe, so you won't have them all over the place at your local trails, which I guess is a bonus...
If you are in the market for a quality frameset that is wicked light, and tough as nails, check these People out. They sell direct and their prices are VERY reasonable. Also I have to give kudos to the president of Hardland as he has always been prompt in personally answering any questions or requests that I have had. Top notch company, top notch bikes!!! Check 'em out... http://home.ici.net/~hardland/hardland.html | Overall Rating: |
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